Glorify God, Emulate Christ: The Thesis of Theosis
As Christians, we are called to something far greater than mere moral improvement or personal success. Our calling is to reflect God’s glory and to grow into Christ’s likeness through a deep and transformative communion with Him. This process is known as theosis, a theological concept that describes the believer's transformation into the divine nature. While this may seem like a lofty goal, it is not an unreachable ideal—it is the very purpose of our lives in Christ.
1. Glorify God: Reflecting His Glory in All We Do
The first part of our calling is to glorify God. This means that every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and relationships—should reflect God’s greatness and holiness. When we reflect on God's glory, we acknowledge His supreme power, His unfathomable love, and His perfection. As believers, we are meant to mirror these divine attributes in the world around us.
In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul explains that, "we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." This transformation is not something we achieve on our own, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we live in communion with Christ—through prayer, Scripture, and worship—we become more like Him, and His glory is reflected in our lives. Theosis is the process by which we are increasingly shaped by Christ to reflect His perfect image, and thus bring glory to God.
2. Emulate Christ: Growing into His Likeness
The second key aspect of theosis is to grow into Christ’s likeness. This is not simply a matter of imitating Jesus’ actions, but of allowing His character to transform our hearts and minds. As we become more like Christ, we begin to think as He thinks, love as He loves, and live as He lived. This growth in Christlikeness is an ongoing process that requires both commitment and dependence on God.
Romans 8:29 states that, "those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." Christ is our ultimate example, and we are called to emulate Him in every way. But this is not something we can do through our own strength or willpower. It is through communion with Christ that we are able to grow into His likeness. As we draw near to Him, He changes us from the inside out, and we are empowered to live lives that reflect His love, humility, and holiness.
The unifying thread in both of these key points is communion with Christ. It is only through a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that we can fulfill our calling to reflect God’s glory and emulate Christ’s likeness. This communion is nurtured through regular prayer, meditating on God's Word, and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In John 15:4, Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." True transformation—becoming more like Christ—can only happen when we are deeply connected to Jesus, allowing His presence and power to shape every area of our lives. This intimate relationship is the foundation of theosis, as it is through our union with Christ that we reflect His glory and grow into His likeness.
Conclusion: Our Calling to Transformation
Theosis is not an optional part of the Christian life. It is our holy calling to reflect God’s glory and to grow into Christ's likeness through communion with Him. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we live in relationship with Christ, we are transformed into His image and, in turn, reflect His glory to the world. Our journey of becoming more like Jesus is not something we do in isolation but is deeply rooted in our communion with Him.
As you walk through your own spiritual journey, remember that your calling is clear: Glorify God. Emulate Christ. Through deep communion with Him, may your life reflect His glory and grow into His likeness, day by day.
